Is your dog ill or injured?

The following are some of the symptoms of potentially serious problems, so if you observe any of these signs you should call your veterinary practice for advice in case of a potential emergency:

Bloated abdomen (sudden onset)

blood in the urine (not associated with seasons)

breathing difficulties

broken bones

burns

choking

collapse

convulsions/seizures

dislocated eyeball

drowning

electrocution

excessive blood loss

excessive blood in the faeces or from the rectum

excessive foaming at the mouth

fainting

fever

fixed and dilated pupils

heatstroke

inability to stand

injuries resulting from a road traffic accident

extreme lethargy and weakness

jaundice

pale pink or blue gums

paralysis

persistent retching

staggering gait

vomiting persistently or vomiting blood

vulval discharge (not associated with seasons)

wasp or bee stings causing swelling in the mouth or throat

Signs of illness that may require less urgent veterinary diagnosis and treatment

If you observe the following symptoms or any change in your dog's normal behaviour, call your veterinary practice to discuss the symptoms and they will tell you whether to make a non-emergency appointment or whether you need to bring the dog in immediately as an urgent case. Keep a note of all the symptoms and take these with you to your consultation. Please note that some of these symptoms in isolation may not indicate a problem.

Appetite loss (persistent)

arching of the dog's back

bad breath

blood or slime in the faeces

biting at itself or around its legs or bottom

depression

diarrhoea

coughing

crying

difficulty eating

excessive thirst or urination

incontinence

lethargy

limping

lumps

muscle tremors

pawing at its mouth

persistent pain

rashes

redness or discharge from the eyes, ears or nose

restlessness

rubbing its bottom along the floor

rubbing, shaking or tilting its head

salivating

scratching itself excessively

smelling badly

shivering

sneezing excessively

sudden grumpiness or aggression

swellings

unwarranted panting

vomiting

whimpering or any abnormal behaviour

worms in the faeces

PLEASE NOTE: These lists are not complete, so if you are in any doubt about your dog's welfare, do not hesitate to call your veterinary practice to report the symptoms and seek advice.